The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-05-28
cHINl CHILDREN.
lsan Franelsco Chroalcie.l

[ pigtails and clattering of little shoes along the alley ways and graveled walks, and they are not the least pleas l ing of the sights and sounds in that neighborhood. One catches a glimpse there of Chinese juvenile life, and in the refreshing oddity of the little fig ures that fit before the gaze there is seen about all therN is to be seen of the sunny side of the yellow invasion. ! The reflection that these heathen mites cannot help being born, and that they have no voice in naming their birth place, goes far toward mitigating Caucasian prejudice against their presence. Their home life, habits, teachings, dress, sports and pastimes are ill such contrast with those of American children that study of them is always full of interest. In the 1 first place the little creatures belong to race that is attractive only in infancy. For precocity they are perhaps un- equaled by those of any other nation, and their love of sport is as great as that of white California children ot l any age or station.
 ! Few people here have studied the character and habits of the wee Mon- golians, although of opportunity for i doing so there has been no lack. Wores. the artist. knows as much about the subject us any local resident, and his faithful brush has portrayed scenes in this line that have been q i revelation to many persons who live within five minutes walk of China town. Take, for instance, his " Chinese Candy -Seller,s and the queer little group making purchases of sweet meats.
 One sees in that picture nearer ap- proach to Chinese juvenile nature than can be found in looking through Il hundred fancy sketches of oriental life made ill New York, Paris, or London. But it is admitted by MT. Wores him. self that he has only skinned the sur i face of this mine of interesting snb- jects, and that there still remains a great field of study in this line for some enterprising and painstaking artist
 To lean back against the piazza rail- ' ing and watch the movements of a l frolicsome crowd of pig-tailed lads and lassies on Il sunny afternoon is as good as front seat at the best show l in town. The rich colors of the short cut and loosely hanging oriental cos tunes dance about and mingle to- gether in the sunlight as tiny figures alr hn .1 hn graveled pathway through the green inclosure. Here comes a group of ] three little "shavers" rightly so called, if one reflects upon their bristly heads-hand in hand, and skipping their heels in the air at the risk of losing their slip-shod covering, and gabbling together in their high strung Asiatic accents. To judge from their antics and glibncss of tongue one would think that their ages ranged from six to ten yaers. Ask that blue- gowned man sitting in the doorway, to whom they are scampering so quickly, and he will tell you that the eldest of the trio is but seven, that he was born in this city, and that the other two first saw the light near the orchards of San Lcando. And the youngsters-are they abashed by the presence of stranger Not in the least. The smallest, scarcely four years old, holds up his hand with an arch glance, and if you do not shake it at once he will hold it there until you do. There is no refusing his persis- tent politeness. Then as likely as not some remark will be made that will set the whole group cackling and shrieking with laughter and their al- mond eyes twinkling and white teeth glistening.
 Down the street goes a six year. old, !, with red cap and dark blue coat, stamping bravely along and carrying in his hand queer shaped tin can, with long handles running down the sides. He gives side glance and a grin at the group in the doorway. They veil in return and, pointing to the can, begin to work their jaws, as if eating.
 Then they run out and make play fnl attempts to get the can away from its custodian, who. clinging tightly to the handle, turns and fees. These cans are often seen on the street and are sometimes carried by girls. They are generally in three parts, each joined to the other and contain the meals of poor families, who send out their uncooked rice and meat to be boiled, stewed or baked by those for tunate enough to possess stoves or grates. This is done after the fashion of some American economists who live ill flats and send their tea kettle or stew pan in to the neighbor who happens to be washing or baking, that none of the heat from the cooking